There’s a reason the Asheville area is home to a thriving, award-winning food scene — it’s the talented and dedicated staff at the helm of each restaurant, coffee shop, and bar. But in the wake of Hurricane Helene, many of the people who keep those establishments alive have lost their livelihoods. Without water, power, and in some cases, a functioning space, a large number of restaurants and bars have been forced to close for the time being.
Whether or not those closures can be temporary, Asheville food and beverage workers need help in the here and now. So here are a few resources offering support for the industry.
Assistance + funds for workers
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
More than 25 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have been approved for DUA from the NC Department of Commerce. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 2.
Eblen Charities Assistance Programs
The nonprofit offers programs to help with everything from rent to utilities, food to medical needs.
FEMA Disaster Assistance
For help from FEMA, you can apply online, submit an application through the FEMA app, or call 1-800-621-3362. You can also visit the disaster recovery center at AC Reynolds High School.
Giving Kitchen Financial Assistance
The nonprofit will help any food service workers in crisis. Typically, financial assistance covers the cost of rent and utilities — and you can apply up to six months after the disaster.
NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund
The fund is managed by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Foundation, and right now, 100% of funds are dedicated to those impacted by Helene.
Southern Smoke Foundation Emergency Relief Fund
This funding can cover anything from groceries and clothing to rent, natural disaster damages, and lost wages. Requests do not have a deadline, but applicants have to have worked in the industry at least 30 hours per week for a minimum of six months.
United Sommeliers Foundation
These grants are specifically dedicated to folks in the beverage industry. The deadline for applications related to Hurricane Helene is Friday, Nov. 15.
Community resources
Check out our guide to local food and water distribution, shelters, prescriptions, cell service, and more.
Resources + info for owners
Helene Business Recovery Fund
Launched by Mountain BizWorks, the fund provides rapid relief loans to small businesses in WNC. Loans are offered up to $100,000.
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Small business resource company Hello Alice partnered with Door Dash to provide $10,000 grants to help restaurants recover after natural disasters. Applicants must meet several eligibility requirements, like having been open for six months or more and having a brick-and-mortar location.
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan
SBA offers low-interest loans to businesses and homeowners in declared disaster areas. Plus, you can talk to an SBA rep at the Asheville Business Recovery Center in the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
For more resources, as well as useful guidance on topics like reopening restaurants and handing out free food, check out the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and Asheville Food and Beverage United.
